Delivery of inbound Nissan auto parts within the UK by Yusen Logistics utilizing electric trucks.
The UK government has launched a significant trial project named Electric Freightway, aimed at furthering the transition to net zero transport in the country. Funded by Innovate UK, Electric Freightway is a five-year initiative, running from September 2025 to September 2030, with a total funding of over £100m ($134m).
Gridserve, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, is the lead partner for Electric Freightway, working with over 30 companies. Partners include DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks UK, Renault Trucks UK, Fergusons, BCA, and automotive giant Nissan. Yusen Logistics, a global logistics company, will be a key player in the project, utilising ten electric trucks supplied by Volvo Trucks UK for delivering automotive parts to Nissan's plant in Sunderland.
The first test delivery of the trial project has already been completed, covering a distance of 703km. This marks a significant step forward in the development of the biggest and most advanced electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) charging network in the world.
Yusen Logistics will be responsible for delivering automotive parts around the UK to Nissan's plant in Sunderland using these electric trucks. The company's involvement in the project underscores the growing importance of electric vehicles in the logistics sector and the potential for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation industry.
Nissan, as a location partner for Electric Freightway, has shown its commitment to sustainable practices by providing a real-world setting for the trial project. The partnership between Nissan and Yusen Logistics demonstrates the potential for collaboration between automotive manufacturers and logistics companies in the transition to electric vehicles.
With partners such as DAF Trucks, Renault Trucks UK, and Volvo Trucks UK, Electric Freightway is set to revolutionise the heavy goods vehicle industry. The involvement of these truck manufacturers in the project underscores their commitment to developing sustainable transport solutions and their belief in the potential of electric vehicles for the future.
As the trial project progresses, Electric Freightway aims to provide valuable insights into the practicalities of using electric trucks for long-distance deliveries, charging infrastructure requirements, and the overall impact on carbon emissions. The project's success could pave the way for widespread adoption of electric trucks in the UK's transportation industry, contributing to the country's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
